Here’s how to spend a perfect week in Venice and Sicily right now.
International travel has been complicated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to say the least.
This may be one of several reasons why the country continues to welcome U.S. tourists.
Credit: Courtesy of Neos Air
Fly direct from NYC to Milan on Neos' new flight route.
Although tourists are traveling to Italy, the summer crowds have thinned out, creating more elbow room.
The flights depart from New York at 5:50 p.m. and arrive in Milan at 7:20 a.m. the next day.
Courtesy of Ca’ di Dio/VRetreats
Departures from Milan leave at 12:20 p.m. and arrive in New York at 2:50 p.m. the same day.
Stay at the new Ca' di Dio in Venice.
Spend more than a day or two immersing yourself in Venetian culture, which should include dining out.
Kwin standing on the Ponte dell’Accademia, one of only four bridges to span the Grand Canal in Venice.Courtesy of Kwin Mosby
For lunch, head toBacarando in Corte dell’Orsofor Italian staples like fresh calamari and lasagna made with homemade pasta.
Avoid the wait and walk to the back of the restaurant where limited outdoor seating may be available.
In addition to Venice, it’s worth exploring a few nearby islands, like Lido.
Alfio Garozzo/Courtesy of Mazzaró Sea Palace/VRetreats
Here, you’re free to watch world-class glassblowers craft magnificent works of art right before your eyes.
it’s possible for you to’t leave Burano without seeing the area’s colorful houses.
For beach lovers, relaxing in the small town of Taormina on the coast ofSicilyis a must.
Watch the sunrise as golden rays blanket the colorful umbrellas and resorts along the bay’s coastline.
Taormina has nearly 11,000 residents, and before COVID, it attracted millions of tourists every year.
The town is steeped in history, but it’s also a source of contemporary culture.
The sea can be rough, so this is not recommended for travelers prone to seasickness.
At night, indulge in the culinary creations of chef Riccardo Fazio at Il Gattopardo restaurant.
Tip: Go for the tasting menu.
End the meal with a platter of bite-sized specialty desserts representing different Sicilian cities and towns.
Venice and Taormina are two warm, welcoming destinations with distinctly different vibes.
And both are worth a trip to Italy.
